Gems of Eastern Europe & Croatia - Ladies Only Escorted Tour

In Association with Travel VUDA.

Join us on this fabulous itinerary escorted by Rosann Connolly-George and in association with Travel VUDA for ladies only where you'll instantly fall in love with the intriguing culture, dramatic landscapes and the delightful ambience of this stunning region. Maximum of 13 travellers.

Itinerary

Pre trip 31 May 2018 Depart Dunedin

Depart Dunedin at 1440HRS (NZ0674) for Auckland and then from Auckland at 1800HRS (QF0156) for Dubai (ex QF8407 via MEL). In addition, we have one night in Dubai where optional tours will be available such as the City of Merchants Tour and the 4WD dune safari with desert dinner. These are optional excursions which will come at an additional cost as well as a tipping kitty to factor in.

Day 01 Saturday, 02 June 2018 Arrive Prague

Upon arrival, you will be met at the Arrival Hall at Prague Airport (ex EK139 ETA 1330HRS) from Dubai by a representative from KOMPAS and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Prague.Accommodation: Hotel City Central or similar - Prague

Day 02 Sunday, 03 June 2018 Prague

Built on seven hills more than 1000 years ago, Prague today is a wonder to behold, with beautiful architecture, lush green hills, and graceful bridges spanning the Vltava River. A sightseeing tour starts with panoramic drive past famous Wenceslas Square, the Strahov Stadium and Castle Square. Then, on a walking tour, visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany with the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower. Cross the Charles Bridge and walk through the old quarter of Prague to view the Jewish Ghetto, Town Hall and the world-famous Astronomical Clock. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace.Accommodation: Hotel City Central or similar - Prague Meals: Breakfast

Day 03 Monday, 04 June 2018 Prague

Today is the day when you can explore the fabulous city on your own or join an optional tour.Accommodation: Hotel City Central or similar - Prague Meals: Breakfast

Day 04 Tuesday, 05 June 2018 Prague – Cesky Krumlov

In the morning, you will be transferred to the cute as a button Cesky Krumlov. Upon arrival meet another local coach for transfer to the hotel and overnight. Accommodation: Hotel Old Inn or similar - Cesky Krumlov Meals: Breakfast

Day 05 Wednesday, 06 June 2018 Cesky Krumlov

Today enjoy a walking tour of the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. You will stroll through the formal gardens and courtyards of Cesky Krumlov Castle. We then walk down into the town's historic centre, where the quaint old streets are lined with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses once belonging to wealthy noblemen. Rest of the day is free to explore the town on your own. Accommodation: Hotel Old Inn or similar - Cesky Krumlov Meals: Breakfast

Day 06 Thursday, 07 June 2018 Cesky Krumlov - Vienna

Today you will travel to Vienna, another magnificent imperial city! Upon arrival enjoy the free evening.Accommodation: Hotel Arion City or similar - Vienna Meals: Breakfast

Day 07 Friday, 08 June 2018 Vienna

On a morning sightseeing tour, pass the Hofburg Palace, once the home of the Hapsburg emperors, and view the Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN Buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral and other reminders of the city's imperial past. The afternoon is at leisure to discover more of Vienna at your own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Arion City or similar - Vienna Meals: Breakfast

Day 08 Saturday, 09 June 2018 Vienna

Today the day is free at leisure to explore the former Emperor city on your own. Accommodation: Hotel Arion City or similar - Vienna Meals: Breakfast

Day 09 Sunday, 10 June 2018 Vienna - Budapest

Journey east and cross the border into Hungary. Continue through the Transdanubian region until you reach Budapest, your final destination today.Accommodation: Hotel Lion’s Garden or similar - Budapest Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Monday, 11 June 2018 Budapest

In 1873, the twin cities of Buda and Pest joined with ancient Obuda to form a new, unified city, Budapest. Charming and beautiful, the city was declared a World Heritage site in 1987. Your morning sightseeing tour includes views of all the main attractions: The Parliament, Royal Palace and the Castle Hill area, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Heroes' Square, and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own. Accommodation: Hotel Lion’s Garden or similar - Budapest Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Tuesday, 12 June 2018 Budapest -Ljubljana

In the morning start your way towards the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour that takes in views of the open-air Central Market, Baroque Town Hall, Robba's Fountain, the Three Bridges, and the Parliament. The rest of the day is at leisure.Accommodation: Hotel City or similar - Ljubljana Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Wednesday, 13 June 2018 Ljubljana – Lake Bled – Ljubljana

In the morning, we travel to Bled. An Alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. A sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore, and visit of the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. After some free time return to Ljubljana. Rest of day is free at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel City or similar - Ljubljana Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Thursday, 14 June 2018 Ljubljana – Plitvice

After breakfast, we travel to stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. These 16 terraced lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey and blue. We explore the spectacular lower lake section on a guided walking tour that will showcase its magnificent turquoise lakes, waterfalls and cascades. Overnight. Accommodation: Hotel Degenija or similar - Plitvice Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 Friday, 15 June 2018 Split

You will be transferred to Split today. Day is free at leisure. Overnight Accommodation: Hotel Cornaro or similar - Split Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 Saturday, 16 June 2018 Split - Omiš (cruise commences)

You will be transferred from your hotel in Split to Omiš Port to commence your cruise on board Agape Rose vessel.
1400HRS - Cruise check in
Cruise starts with dinner on board. Overnight in Omiš. Meals: Dinner

Day 16 Sunday, 17 June 2018 Omiš – Pucisca – Split

After breakfast, you can join an optional boat excursion to the Cetina River Canyon before setting sails towards Pučišća on the Island of Brač. After docking at Pučišća, your Cruise Director will take you for a short visit to a Stonemasonry School nearby, where you will learn of Brač limestone, centuries-old tradition of stonemasonry and the unconventional tools they use. In the afternoon, you will continue cruising to Split, your port of call for the day. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town including visit to the monumental Diocletian Palace, built over 1700 years ago. Because of its historical and architectural importance, the whole Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, you can join the locals in enjoying a cup of coffee on their much beloved seaside promenade. Overnight in Split. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17 Monday, 18 June 2018 Split – Trogir - Skradin - Krka - Šibenik

After breakfast, you will join an excursion to Trogir and Skradin. Our first stop is the small Dalmatian town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated on an island and squeezed in between the mainland and the larger Island of Čiovo. Except for the green parks the entire island is filled by spectacular constructions of stone-houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers and walls. You will have free time to pay a visit to the main attraction in Trogir, the Cathedral of St Lawrence, which is probably the finest example of sacral architecture in Croatia. Later, continue on by coach through the karst Šibenik hinterland and stop in Skradin, which is situated on the upper end of Krka estuary, at the entrance to the National Park. You will have free time for exploration. Final destination of the day is the town of Šibenik, where you will join a walking tour. Stroll with your guide through the narrow and steep streets and pass by the most important monument, the Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St James, located in the main town square. It represents not only the most valuable monument of the town’s architectural heritage, but also a unique monument of the European sacral architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Dinner and overnight Šibenik. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 Tuesday, 19 June 2018 Šibenik - Vis

After breakfast, depart for the Island of Vis. Weather permitting, a stop will be made for swimming and relaxing enroute. Afternoon arrival to Vis, an island famous for sandy beaches and beautiful bays. Vis was untouched by the modern development and tourism for many years so one can experience the tradition and the Mediterranean way of life as it once was. Overnight in Vis. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 19 Wednesday, 20 June 2018 Vis – Hvar – Korčula

Breakfast onboard and early departure to Hvar, famous for its endless fields of lavender and rosemary, its beautiful coast and lovely historical towns. Your destination is the town of Hvar, a town of immense beauty that buzzes with vibrant energy in the summer sun. Upon arrival, our expert local guide will take you for a walk around the ancient streets of Hvar. After the guided walking tour we will set sail to Korčula Island. Arrival to Korčula in the afternoon, followed by a walking tour. Captain’s Dinner onboard and overnight in Korčula. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 20 Thursday, 21 June 2018 Korčula – Mljet – Slano

Breakfast onboard and departure to Pomena on the Island of Mljet, which on its western side houses the National Park Mljet, known for its immense beauty and its two turquoise saltwater lakes, surrounded by thick forest. Upon arrival, you will have plenty of free time to explore the park individually, for example by renting bikes and cycling or jogging on the numerous paths around the lakes or take an optional guided trip to the lakes. Lunch and swimming break are followed by early afternoon departure to Slano. After arrival, you are free to take an optional guided tour Taste of Dalmatia and visit Ston, a small town famous of its 5km long defensive walls, the longest one in Europe and visit local winery, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the finest Dalmatian wines. Overnight in Slano. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21 Friday, 22 June 2018 Slano – Dubrovnik

After breakfast, we continue on to Dubrovnik and cruise beneath the City Walls. Upon arrival to Dubrovnik, transfer is organized to the Old Town’s Pile Gate, where you will join a guided tour of Dubrovnik. Our local expert will show you around this fascinating world-known landmark, an ancient town protected by 13th century fortifications. Dubrovnik was for centuries a standalone Republic and the only power able to compete with the Venetians. After the tour, you will have free time to explore Dubrovnik on your own. You can take the cable car to the top of the hill overlooking Dubrovnik for wonderful photo opportunities, make the tour of the walls or just enjoy a scoop of ice cream as you stroll through its narrow streets paved with ancient stones. Overnight in Dubrovnik. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 22 Saturday, 23 June 2018 Dubrovnik (end of cruise)

Disembarkation after breakfast. You will be transferred from Dubrovnik Gruz Harbour to Dubrovnik hotel. Day is free at leisure. Overnight in Dubrovnik.Accommodation: Hotel Lapad or similar - Dubrovnik Meals: Breakfast

Day 23 Sunday, 24 June 2018 Dubrovnik

You will be transferred from your hotel to Dubrovnik airport for your flight (ex OU 385 ETD 1315HRS) to Zagreb and from Zagreb to Dubai (ex EK0130 ETD 1535HRS)Meals: Breakfast